Subhash Ghai confirms Khal Nayak 2; Sanjay Dutt to return as Ballu Balram

Khal Nayak 2 in the making

Khal Nayak is about to make a big comeback more than thirty years after it dominated the box office and changed the perception of the anti-hero in Bollywood.

Renowned director Subhash Ghai, who is frequently referred to as Bollywood's "Showman," has formally announced that a follow-up to his 1993 cult classic is in the works, and yes, Sanjay Dutt will play the iconic role of Ballu Balram again.

The announcement of Khal Nayak 2 has finally been verified after years of speculation and repeated allusions by Ghai. The director is working on a contemporary adaptation of the tale that enthralled audiences decades ago, according to Filmfare.

With Sanjay Dutt returning as an older, more seasoned version of the original anti-hero, the sequel will maintain the nostalgic core of the movie even though it will feature a new generation of characters. According to a production-related source:

"Subhash ji is excited about staging a sequel to Khal Nayak. The story will be based on new characters played by newcomers. But add the original appeal, with Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt might be roped in for special roles. It's a project in the making right now, but Subhash ji and his team are very excited about this project."

Due to the intense chemistry between Madhuri Dixit's Gangotri Devi, affectionately known as "Gangs," and Sanjay Dutt's gritty portrayal of Balaram Prasad, also known as Ballu, the original movie became an era-defining blockbuster. A younger protagonist will take on the now middle-aged Ballu in Khal Nayak 2, according to reports.

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While Dutt’s involvement is confirmed, speculation continues to swirl around the potential return of Madhuri Dixit in a cameo or special role, although nothing official has been announced. What is certain is that Ghai is determined not to recast Ballu, telling ETimes in a 2024 interview:

"The truth is I am not looking for actors to play Ballu Balram but a younger actor to play a new character in 'Khalnayak 2' who will be pitted against Ballu Balram, who is 55 years old man now. Ballu will be played by Sanjay Dutt only. Like Al Pacino played in ‘The Godfather 2’ and Marlon Brando played 'The Godfather 1'."

The original Khal Nayak left a cultural imprint with its bold themes, unforgettable music like Choli Ke Peeche, and Sanjay Dutt’s career-defining role. With Khal Nayak 2, Subhash Ghai aims to bridge the old and the new — preserving a cinematic legacy while writing a fresh chapter.